Mark 15:33-39
Matthew 27:45-56
The events of Jesus crucifixion are in all four Gospels; however, for today, I'm going to focus on the one in Matthew because it provides a few more details.
I find that I have heard this passage about Jesus' crucifixion so often, that I take it for granted way more than I ever should.
When I stop to think about the pain that Christ went through for me, how can I be so desensitized to it? How can I not stand in wonder and awe every time? Nails were driven through His wrists and ankles as He was nailed to the cross, a thorn of crowns placed upon His head. He, who did no wrong, suffered one of the worst kinds of death...a criminal's death. He endured and excruciating death so that His shed blood could cover my sins.
After reflecting on what Christ went through, take some time to think of the magnitude of God's power that was displayed in that moment of Christ's death.
Matthew 27:45-56
The events of Jesus crucifixion are in all four Gospels; however, for today, I'm going to focus on the one in Matthew because it provides a few more details.
I find that I have heard this passage about Jesus' crucifixion so often, that I take it for granted way more than I ever should.
When I stop to think about the pain that Christ went through for me, how can I be so desensitized to it? How can I not stand in wonder and awe every time? Nails were driven through His wrists and ankles as He was nailed to the cross, a thorn of crowns placed upon His head. He, who did no wrong, suffered one of the worst kinds of death...a criminal's death. He endured and excruciating death so that His shed blood could cover my sins.
After reflecting on what Christ went through, take some time to think of the magnitude of God's power that was displayed in that moment of Christ's death.
- For three hours prior to Christ's death, darkness covered the land. (Matthew 27:45)
- At the moment Jesus died, the curtain in the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. (Matthew 27:51)
- At that moment, there was an earthquake. (Matthew 27:51)
- At that moment, tombs opened and many holy people, who were dead, were raised to life and came out of the tombs after Jesus' resurrection. (Matthew 27:52)
I wonder what went through the onlookers' minds as they watched this. I wonder what went through the minds of those in the temple. Matthew mentions, "When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that happened, they were terrified and exclaimed, 'Surely He was the Son of God!'" (Matthew 27:54)
The symbolism of the curtain ripping in two is beautiful. The curtain, or veil, separated the Holy of Holies from the Holy Place in the temple. It was a barrier between God and man. God is so pure and holy, He cannot look upon sin. Only the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies once a year, and he had to go through careful preparations to enter. If he did not complete these preparations properly, he would die when he entered. This veil that formed the separation between these rooms was too thick to be torn by human hands (some websites note 4 inches thick), thus pointing to a supernatural event...God tore the veil from top to bottom. Through Christ's shed blood, the barrier between God and man was removed. Jesus, our High Priest, entered once and for all so we now have direct access to God. (Hebrews 9:11-14, Hebrews 10:10-12) His righteousness covers my sin. As a believer, I can now enter God's presence whenever I want! I can come before God, unblemished because Christ's blood covers me! Words fail me; they can't do justice to the magnitude of God's mercy, grace, and love!
How can I become so lackadaisical to what Christ experienced and completed on my behalf?
As some of the lyrics in the song, Mercy, by Matt Redman, state, "May I never lose the wonder, oh the wonder of Your mercy..."
As some of the lyrics in the song, Mercy, by Matt Redman, state, "May I never lose the wonder, oh the wonder of Your mercy..."
Beautiful!
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